With the demise of Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora, Bangladesh has lost a friend who was closely linked to its independence, leading Liberation War commanders yesterday said fondly recalling the memories of his contribution in the war.

“He was a great friend of Bangladesh and sincerely played his role during its Liberation War,” said AK Khondoker, then deputy chief of staff of Bangladesh Armed Forces. ….

…. Rafiqul Islam, commander of Sector-1 (June-December) during the Liberation War, said Gen Aurora was deeply moved by the sufferings of Bangladeshis. “As a professional soldier, he could not imagine the genocide and brutality of Pakistani soldiers to our people. So, he decided to help us.”

“He was sympathetic to us and committed to helping us for our cause,” said Rafiq, also former home minister.

Recalling the motivation Bangladesh forces received from Aurora during the turbulent days of the Liberation War, KM Shafiullah, then commander of ‘S-Force,’ said, “In fact, General Aurora was a father figure for us.” ….